Police oppose noisy Mayflower pub’s plans to expand (From Echo)

Objection cites problems with noise and under-age drinking in Billericay

10:00am Thursday 15th December 2011 in Billericay By Gina Marden

POLICE are trying to block a pub’s expansion plans because of problems with under-age drinking and antisocial behaviour.

The New Mayflower, in Jacksons Lane, Billericay, has applied to Basildon Council to enlarge its top floor bar by removing some toilets.

Landlord Christopher John also wants to build an extra bar on the upper ground floor and allow customers to drink outside.

Police have objected, claiming the pub is noisy, badly supervised and often frequented by underage drinkers.

Officers who visited the pub last month found of 25 people in the beer garden, the oldest was 20 and several were under-age.

In addition, they found four underage customers drinking in the pub’s former cellar – now converted into a bar – and no members of staff present.

Police also spotted other youngsters climbing over the fence into the beer garden and drinking alcohol they had brought with them.

Referring to the beer garden, the police report adds: “There is a serious police concern in respect of the conduct of customers within this area, especially the lack of supervision in respect of underage drinkers.”

Graham Bannister, Basildon Council’s environmental health officer is also objecting to the application. His report says council officers have visited the pub several times in response to complaints from neighbours about noise. They has found staff “obstructive” and they refused to turn down music when asked.

A letter from another objector, Stephen Radford, of David's Walk, Billericay, added: “Since the pub re-opened after the refit, the quality of our lives has diminished because of the noise that emanates from the pub.

“We are not the closest neighbours – I would hate to live any closer – but the noise and general antisocial behaviour is really disruptive to our personal lives.”

The pub was served with a noise abatement notice earlier this year after residents complained about loud music and yobbish customers.

The pub’s landlord was unavailable to comment, but in a letter to Basildon Council, he promised to turn down music in the pub and ask customers to leave quietly.

His letter adds: “We are still new and we also love everybody. We love our neighbours and everybody loves the New Mayflower.”

Councillors will vote on the application on Monday.